How Much Should You Pay For Allocated Whiskey? Ep #1

So let's talk about fair prices for bottles you don't see everyday. This episode we cover
EH Taylor Small Batch
Elmer T. Lee
Blanton's
Stagg Jr.
A few of the buffalo trace bottles that used to be everywhere and now aren't seen as often, but when they are they are often marked up by the store. This is to help people answer the question of "How much should I pay for...?"
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[@robinsoneliteperformance]

Hahaha you guys HAVE to do an updated version of this exact episode!

[@willscheetz2072]

Everything secondary is doubled

[@daviddurfey2688]

I have been building up my collection and at the same time going back through watching reviews from BJ and others from the last few years. I can not help but feel like I missed the times where bourbons were easier to find and more reasonably priced? I do think an updated version of these kinds of videos would be great and offer alternatives for each bottle that is now a hard to find or over priced bourbon. Thank you

[@kudukilla]

1792 has been my Blanton’s replacement as well. Blanton’s has actually been my favorite from the days when you could look through dusty bottles on the shelf to pick out the letters for your collection. I’m getting excited about the hate/backlash against it that’s been developing: it might become easily available again.

[@samsantarita8346]

This is the series the bourbon community needs. We got a bunch of high rollers walking around spending 120 on Blanton's and buying every $600 George T. Stagg that they come across. I know a lot of them aren't involved in secondary so hopefully they at least see these kinds of videos. If you have tons of money I have no problem with you buying all the bourbon your heart desires, but AT LEAST pay secondary prices. Store owners should not be able to price things above secondary and still sell them, yet they do, and will continue to until people get this figured out. Thanks for the new series, I hope it is here to stay!

[@steelers6pak852]

Unfortunately, unless you live in a state that regulates the price, store owners will charge what they can get. This is especially true on the allocated items since they can't make it up in volume. Why would they leave the profit to the secondary market. Bad for us, but I get it. I can say thin the price on 2019 GTS went down 50% as word got out that it was not up to snuff.

[@paulg.5997]

There will always be Taters,

[@djbeacon1942]

I'm liking this format with 3 price levels and discussion. One of the real keys is if you see, you have to be ready/prepared to buy right then. It will most likely be gone later that day or the next day. Once the great reviews come out, even less likely to find. And be flexible, if you don't get that special bottle, there are usually other options at more reasonable prices. 👌🥃👍

[@BourbonJunkies]

One thing we talked about adding in was "what could you buy instead" we did that with the blantons and mentioned 1792 single barrels. We may do it more often in future video's.

[@steelers6pak852]

I just found a 1792 SiB SP BiB...$35. I prefer the Blanton's but not at 3X the price. At $60, give me an OF 1910 or 1920 or Russell's SP any day.

[@rmarshall8568]

This series is a keeper

[@bretash66]

How about giving a couple of suggestions for ones within that flavor profile that you think are better deals? Its like Lee (but since most of us can't find it) try this. Especially the Buffalo line.

[@BourbonJunkies]

We talked about doing that (mentioned 1792 single barrel instead of blantons) but didn't do it for every one. We can definitely do that more in future videos! Thanks for the suggestions man!

[@santhony74]

Eagle Rare is my favorite. Inexpensive and you can find it most days - at least where I live.

[@BodyByBeef]

@@santhony74 never move.

[@JeremySiers]

Another great one guys. Stagg JR. is on the top of my list of shit to try. Had several bottles of Stagg, I have a older release on my shelf that is 144.8 proof.....that shit is no joke, that bottle has some ass on it. 😂but somehow never got a bottle of the JR. Gonna have to remedy that soon. Cheers guys 🥃

[@7betrayer]

Oy, with “secondary inflation” continuing to ruin bourbon, vids like these do not age well. Still entertaining. Cheers 🥃

[@luckyrashes]

$250 now for Stagg Jr 🤮

[@dr.travis1747]

Right? Elmer t lee is like $300+ on secondary now

[@BourbonJunkies]

Yeah we'll redo this with reference to this video. It has changed so much. Honestly pre covid these prices didn't change much.

[@treflip700]

Was just in southern Ohio, Frankfort, Lexington and Louisville and the Taylor was 47 from the distillery and 179 secondary, Elmer was 450 secondary 🤣 is this a bad time for me to be getting into whiskey or no?

[@joeaiello6869]

Just saw blanton at the store by me for $130

[@CubsFanJeff1984]

Definitely keep this segment. As a relative newcomer to the bourbon world this helps me a great deal. Keep up the great work guys!

[@irishsausage6]

This series would be boring if I was part of it. I would never pay over retail for anything, period. Too much good bourbon out there at places that don't gouge you, and oftentimes it's even BELOW retail. That said, I love that you're doing this so we can be more informed and begin to correct the market in some small way.

[@damondgarcia5156]

I love all 4 of the bottles. I paid $120 for batch 12 $100 for Blanton's and $40 for EHT Small Batch and only had Elmer at a bar

[@Retro_Beek]

It’s especially challenging finding these in the upper peninsula. The distribution is a shit show in Michigan lately. I got lucky and found stagg jr, EHT Barrel Proof and Rock Hill Farms at retail two weeks ago. Cheers!

[@bluecollarbooze5386]

Nice find bud! Still trying to hunt a stagg Jr in good ol Indiana.

[@jeff12877]

I really like this segment. Since it’s based on high demand whiskeys you should offer alternatives in the same MSRP.

[@100puremustard5]

Like this format! I saw 5 bottles of Stagg jr batch 12 for $69.99 each. My buddy said "I can get that for $60". A week later he tells me "sorry bro, can't"....... and the 5 bottles on the shelf were gone of course!!! Moral of the story Don't hesitate! Pull the dam trigger when you see something you want! Cheers guys!

[@Will-cv4tj]

Rewatching this old episode is enlightening. I was recently in downtown Charleston SC… I found EHT Small Batch at 285 on the shelf. I foresee it sitting in that museum for years to come.

[@camerontudor3184]

Just watching this video again and there are several bottles of ETL going any where from $250-$400 and Blantons going $170-$200 in jacksonville Florida.

[@ssky-rt9nm]

The video is a year old and the prices have gone bananas in my area. Liquor stores are selling Blanton’s for $200-250 Taylor for $80-100 Most of them offer through Drizly now, so people will pay that amount then get it delivered across town.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Prices have damn near quadrupled on some of these.

[@CGsYTChannel]

Watching this in mid-2022.. I wish these were still the prices on secondary lol

[@joshuabunkers1494]

I love that Colonel E.H. Taylor small batch and cannot find it anywhere less than $100.

[@s.e.8719]

“Lil Jon came, said WHAT twice” this is why I come here for whiskey reviews. Seriously keep up the good work.

[@shinysituations2196]

Great video. I commented on another video about Buffalo trace being $79 in Tuscaloosa. I'm in Memphis for the holidays and got it for $29.99. Everything thats hard to find in Alabama is in one store! A reason to "visit family" more, lol.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Nice find, happy holidays!

[@leeacto]

Fun video. Buffalo Trace gift shop sells EHT SmB for $35 which is amazing

[@ScaryPeeper]

2 “WHATs!” and an “OKKKAAYYYY!!!!” 😂 You guys are spot on for what someone should pay secondary for these. Great series, keep it going!

[@steelers6pak852]

Why do I get the feeling Dan paid $170 for that ETL? No wonder I can't find it.

[@jeffwarren954]

What is a secondary? Here in Dallas, Fort Worth area be go to the liquor store and by liquor. 1way only.

[@SippersSocialClub]

I think you make a good point about first time buyers. Sometimes you just need to overpay and experience a bottle. Obviously you're not going to buy a GTS at full secondary multiple times a year, but to do it once (because its the only way you will ever own a bottle) is something to consider, cheers!

[@miguelmalave9239]

I'm liking this format. Great info. As Blantons is the only one of the group I have yet to try. Recently saw for $149. Had ZERO desire to pay that much! Based on you guys feedback glad my instincts were right. Did pay $80 for Stagg Jr 12.

[@PiperHipsz]

Just picked up EHT small batch for $47 and Blanton single barrel for $90. They had a STAGG for $150 not sure of the year but I think I’ll go back and snag it.

[@edcummings8344]

I also like how you kept it to one distillery. Not sure if that's what you have planned going forward, but I would sustain that aspect or maybe throw similar barrel finishes or mash bills, or similar ages from different distilleries to compare them..

[@daveseyeball]

I’m with you guys on the EHT SmB & the Stagg Jr 12 & 13 is 🔥

[@ICONN1CK]

Just got into bourbon heavily over the last months. This is a huge help. Appreciate ya.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Glad we could help man! More of these to come!

[@simplecircuit]

Throwing a Blanton bottle is one of the great joys in life. Especially a little 70cl SFTB one. Empty is usually better though.

[@BourbonJunkies]

I'm going to do it for damn sure

[@steelers6pak852]

Bourbon Junkies if you have to chuck that bottle, at least give away the contents and the stopper..... I need B,L A....😁

[@Misc665]

Couldn't agree more with the Blanton's assessment!

[@textilewolf]

This is a great series! I pretty much agreed on all the values. Blantons is good, but has to be the most overhyped bottle there is. You gotta have one, but after that find something good.

[@gabrielremolina2827]

Another good video series idea: for the rare whiskeys, what are comparable products that can be found at most liquor stores!

[@CaptainJazz262]

This is the best, I watched the other 2 as well and they’re helping me out loads in my buying! Thanks dudes

[@bridgesbackyard]

Yep, dig this format! Pricing questions are some of the most asked. You guys are great!

[@wildlifewhiskey3636]

Really enjoy this format. Also watched a guy buy 5 blantons at $125 a piece. He knew nothing about them but his sone wanted some and got them all with our blinking a eye. Stores here up charge those hard to finds and keep them in the back so these rich farmers buy them and price doesn't matter to them. It sucks for us normal whiskey folks who just want to enjoy it

[@BourbonJunkies]

I cried a little reading 5 at 125

[@wildlifewhiskey3636]

@@BourbonJunkies yeah it was pretty hard to watch

[@ranman1959]

Nice job. In Ohio I've been able to get all but ETL at retail, but it's not easy and getting harder. Stagg Jr. is only $47 but is really limited here; still trying to find batch #13. And I think a good alternative to Blanton's is Blade & Bow which unfortunately is not sold in Ohio.

[@uchoops4]

Blade and Bow is fantastic.

[@frankmastromauro5630]

I just paid $70 for EH Taylor small batch - really enjoying it

[@rajinferno007]

Nice just paid $80 and I’ve never seen one before so had to have it

[@javery3987]

I remember when ETL was readily available at Meijer for $33 plus sales tax. I don’t think I’ve seen it in at any store since early 2015. Wish I would have stocked up when I had the chance....

[@JHamilton791]

I know where there are 3 bottles of EH Taylor small batch on the shelf (a rare thing around me in ATL). They're $82 each if anyone is interested. 😂 I'm fairly new to the channel but love the idea of this series!

[@BourbonJunkies]

Hard pass, and glad to have you here. Cheers!

[@davidmcguire6043]

$48 in rome ga

[@csalsb]

Bowman single Barrell is the same madhbill as blantons. Only 50 and readily available everywhere

[@TimBWig]

I like the format. I really like what you did with the Blantons. What's a good replacement bottle. Great work. You should explore that more!

[@scottmeyers8125]

Great series and great format guys! This will help a lot of people when they walk into the liquor store. Prices are so all over the place these days it's really hard to tell if you're getting a good deal or getting ripped off unless you know the right price ranges before you walk in the door.

[@fucious70]

Dig this...some ideas to enhance it...maybe put it on the Patreon page. 1. Put this on some type of spreadsheet that easy to review. MSRP - Dan's $ - Sean's $ - link to video 2. Let the Patreon members list their price, and it continuously averages it. So add another category Patreon $

[@jeremyatwood5764]

Here on the ground in Kentucky :) Buffalo Trace gets a shipment of Blantons once a week. People line up and they typically sell out in 2 hours. $68. Saw it in Lexington at a store with the hard to finds at a secondary market priced at $135. They had weller antique for 155. Was recently in Eastern Kentucky and had Stagg Batch 13 for$89. McKenna 10 year for $65.

[@BourbonJunkies]

A place around us just posted stagg for 89.99.

[@Farcry-yh4mu]

I have batch 12 & 14 paid retail $56 right place right time, Fun fact scored batch 14, Elmer and Taylor barrel strength same day, also had Old Fitzgerald 9year same day but I left it. Scored Old Fitz last month on a Christmas delivery. Love that Willets Rye too

[@great207]

I payed under $30 for Elmer T. Lee back in 2012 or 2013. It was on the bottom shelf at a corner liquor store in metro Detroit. I haven't seen one in the wild since.

[@bls1177]

Love the replacement offer that was key to the series. Keep up the great work

[@simplyorange8553]

I'm in Louisville KY for a bit; just saw a bottle of Blanton's on a liquor store shelf for $250!

[@thelinuxcat]

Great theme, please keep dropping videos like this. On point with the three prices. I second the need to BIN if you see it and it is within your price range.

[@ThetaChi242]

Do the weller line like the series

[@richardsonjamie9]

This series is going to make me cry....on both extremes

[@JaredKempson]

I have to say I like that you are putting the names in the description. It's a handy reference tool.

[@ryanhughett3286]

Love this idea! Ker them coming. I take pics at different stores to compare prices so this is perfect.

[@drywater_]

Stagg is a personal favorite and now, the one place I could drink it (local BBQ restaurant/whiskey bar) is out because of covid.

[@rickf.0225]

Here in washington state, everything seems to be priced at the secondary market and then some at times. Due to the liquor tax alone being 20.5% ( update: it's actually $35.22 a gallon) and then add sales tax on top of that which is around 10% on average. Liked the video keep it up guys.

[@BourbonJunkies]

My Lord I cried a little reading this.

[@rickf.0225]

@@BourbonJunkies Yea very slowly building my collection up.

[@treyhovathagod3782]

Love this! Great service. So hard to gauge when u roll up on something u really want.

[@artprince9163]

I used to buy ETL for $38 when they had it. Haven't seen in a store for about 5-6 years in Ohio. It is released twice a year and sells out that day if they are lucky to get it. Used to be my favorite pour. Combination of quality and cost was just unbeatable. I will have to try Stagg Jr. I guess. Also the EHT.

[@miked3168]

I've saw a place in West Bloomfield asking $150 for Blanton's. Screw that. My guy had them and was selling them for $70. They sold eh Taylor for $60 at the red wagon shop in troy last year when his great grandson came into the store. Hasn't been seen since.

[@nikp8418]

My real intro to bourbon was Blanton's. I was on a cruise, having a terrible time, and this bartender lit up my world with it. Went through 3 bottles in a week. Now, I want to find it cause it reminds me of those good times.... Can't find it ANYWHERE. What a terrible curse.

[@BourbonJunkies]

You're not alone in wanting to find Blanton's let me tell you that

[@Danr07]

NC resident here. Went into the ABC (State) store searching for a longshot, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel or OF 1910. Struck out on both as usual. The clerk said 👀 “Do you know what I DO have in the back?” 👀 “Blanton’s” I paid $88. It was the last bottle in the store. Never had it before and probably won’t again, so it was worth the price tag. My 50th is in 3 years. I’ll open it then.

[@davemarkowski1057]

Where was this a year ago when I needed the info. Thanks. Keep it up!

[@kevinyoung9034]

Good video, keep em coming. I love Buffalo Trace products and regular BT is my go-to whiskey. However, there are far too many Unicorn Buffalo Trace labels. Secondary market is out of control.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Completely agree! Thanks for the kind words dude!

[@0goldman]

Really great videos guys! It's so funny how different the buying experience is for Americans vs Canadians. Every bottle you guys mentioned is at least double, if not triple the price in Ontario, Canada. But, it sounds like we can get bourbons quite readily that are allocated, or "rare" in the states. Blanton's for example, is easy to find here; not always available, but when it is, there's lots.

[@kevtz83]

Thanks for the video. The problem is when you live in a place like arkansas, you don't have the option to be patient and get these for the prices that are fair. Heck, I would be thrilled to find secondary prices like you listed. The places that will ship to me charge $200plus for Blanton's and $150 for EH Taylor Small batch.

[@JohnKay79]

This video and series needs an update! Love it

[@enricojaun2880]

I like the format. also agree with your prices... BT products are generally over hyped IMHO. in MD/DE StagJr is about 60-70, EHtaylor about 50. I see blantons occasionally for 80, but haven't bit. fortunately, Stagjr is fairly available here, one of the best out there.

[@xmikewallace17]

We need an updated list and prices.

[@Willsmalltownbourbon]

Yes, keep this up! I find myself asking this every time I go into a store!

[@gabrielremolina2827]

Awesome idea for new videos! Too many stores out there scamming people out of their money! 2x, 3x msrp!

[@pagey6668]

I live in Australia where most of these Bourbons are relatively hard to find other than the Blantons. I can consistently get the Blantons for $85 Australian Dollars which at the current conversion rate is equal to $56.75 US dollars so cheaper than you guys. On the other hand though when i do see any EHT its any between $299 and $350 aud, Elmer T Lee around $150 aud and Stagg JR $250 to $300 so on those we pay way way more. PS i love your channel and this new segment is great even know it doesnt apply to me.

[@rjmac509]

I like the idea of this video. I paid $75 for batch 11 of Stagg Jr and don’t regret it. Would like to get my hands on 12/13

[@magnus5356]

Big problem many times is not (only) secondary market price hikes but the actual liquor stores jacking up the price...

[@TheCup0joe]

I'm watching this in 2023 and giggling at the low secondary prices! I saw a guy wanting $500 or Stagg Jr. I would GLADLY pay the $100 price you thought it would go at!

[@achillespaparsenos5649]

I've seen Blanton's for $90 twice recently. I couldn't pay that at a store since I always used to pay $55.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Never not once for that price.

[@kurtlouis858]

That price was about 4 years ago in ohio

[@zulusmith]

During the 2020 Thanksgiving holiday, I went into Micky Finn's in Florence, SC. They had Blanton's for $207 and Old Forester Birthday Bourbon for $699. Insane.

[@chrisfinch6484]

This is a Great video, specially for newbies. would love to see more videos like this

[@whiskeyryethebourbonguy2280]

I like this new series for sure! Thanks fellas!

[@jonmoore8916]

Love the idea. Super helpful I also completely agree with the prices y'all would pay.

[@captainbondo6427]

I've seen Blanton's at $199 in 2 different stores. That's a big pass for me.

[@BourbonJunkies]

Not missing a thing!

[@Thrashzer]

In NJ I paid $100 for the first bottle I found, then found a second a few months later for $90 and grabbed it! Was down in Louisiana and saw it for $55, and I could have kicked myself!!! I bought 3, and swore never again to pay Jersey prices for it. And just saw it for $120 in a store the other day!

[@DasFlashyMan]

Blanton's is overpriced at its MSRP. It's a really good bourbon, but $60 is high. Unfortunately, it also has a super cool bottle so all the people who post Instagram pics of their 200 bottles of bourbon with zero opened bottles lap that shit up.

[@jamesjutte6119]

i wouldnt pay retail price for it it sucks

[@WD-mv1rm]

Captain Bondo yep. I’m in Michigan and some of these liquor stores will really try to gouge !

[@byungs]

i'm a low proofer and i think blanton's is the best low/mid proof bourbon out there. i really can't think of a better one. which is sad for me. i also think that the stagg jr batch 13 is probably my second favorite bourbon that i have experienced; second only to this latest C919 Elijah Craig BP.

[@musicmymusic2323]

Even better then I tought it would be.......Please Please keep them coming.

[@rdh5961]

I'm digging the new format. Good job!

[@1QU1CK1]

Woo Hoo! Picked up a Stagg Jr. for $49.99... and had a ten dollars off coupon!

[@BourbonJunkies]

That is so e epic shit right there

[@jasonschwartz2347]

I only buy allocated stuff at Total Wine. No ridiculous surcharges. Just picked up a bottle of Stagg for $61, and $50 for EH Taylor small batch.

[@socoblue1988]

I love the idea of this series, guys. And BT was a great distillery to start with given my little understanding of the secondary market. I just want to get a bottle of Stagg Jr. sometime this year. That and building my review Insta page are my bourbon goals this year. Keep up the great content, guys.

[@clearmoon247]

I feel like this was a very well done series. Keep up the good work guys!

[@richardsonjamie9]

Great video, love the idea. Weller would be another good one

[@steveszymanski2962]

This is a huge help - no joke. Thank you!

[@grantmordecai331]

Love this! I hope this series continues. That said, I have no idea how to buy on the secondary. Any chance y’all could give some pointers on how to find reasonable (and safe) places to buy from?

[@NatsTown]

Watching this in 2023 is wild

[@BourbonJunkies]

I think that same thing could have been said in 2021 honestly. COVID shot the prices on everything through the roof

[@CMHasty028]

Great video, and great assesments!! You guys are on point across the board.

[@RebeccaPaige]

Pay or pass? How's that for a title?

[@nickp5511]

I know this video is older but in my area of California there is about ten stores with some good selections and the prices that are normal to us are as follows. EH Taylor 95-115 ET Lee 400-500 Blanton’s 125-195 Stagg 300-600 Michters 10yr 300-600 RR13yr 300-700 Knob Creek 18yr 300-450 Therefore no bottles like this on my bar:( so when you guys talk about Stagg for 100 I would buy two! I got luck on a RR13yr for 130 a month ago and was super happy!

[@maul_360]

Love me some stagg Jr. I live inn the upper PNW and bottles are so hard to come by but I was able to snag a bottle of stagg Jr. For 70...plus Washington's horrendous 20.5% spirits tax. Best bourbon purchase ever

[@BourbonJunkies]

20% is so crazy

[@peterwhite507]

Stagg Jr has gone to lottery in Ontario, when it used to be easy to get anyway. $82 CAD. $65 CAD for Blanton's, LCBO get a couple thousand bottles every few months. $56 CAD for ETL, lottery but I got 5 in the last lottery, good trade bottle.

[@berkaberk]

Love this, but would also like to see some alternative (similar) drams to highly allocated bottles - maybe with an A/B. Keep up the good work, boys. PS - ETL here in NY is MINIMUM $275 Blantons - $150 Stagg Jr - $300

[@onesixwhiskey6514]

New to the channel, knowing this is 2 years old it would be fun if y’all redid this. I live in Kentucky bro, I can’t imagine what y’all are paying up there, because I remember Old Rip and Pappy being on the shelf at our Publix, at retail.

[@joshuabirdsall5327]

its crazy has now all of these secondary prices have increased drastically. Stagg jr goes for $300-600 now....

[@mattgraves6224]

Prices at my local stores are all close to secondary..... I personally paid 78 for Colonel Taylor 170 for Elmer 80 for Blantons 54 for Eagle Rare 78 for George Stagg Jr 60 Weller 12 60 Weller Special 60 Willett 70 Noah's Mill 490 Old Rip Stupid lol i need to move to Kentucky

[@BourbonJunkies]

Some of those aren't bad, some of those hurt. Dan loves ETL and when he won't pay that it's time to run away